My primary interest is on relationships affected by dementia or ageing, or both, particularly when care provision is needed. Having spent almost a decade in academia, I am retraining to get back into practice, as I believe I can have a greater impact in practice and that my research focus will be better informed as a practitioner and researcher.

My doctoral research focused on sexuality, intimacy and relationships affected by dementia. However, as this work only included heterosexual couples, my work lacked diversity. My Churchill Fellowship in 2017 enabled me to investigate the factors needed to create LGBTQI+ inclusivity for older people. I travelled to Australia and USA. Since my Fellowship I have conducted training for Pride week in care homes, written a chapter for a book (Desexualisation) and ensured that the LBGTQI+ community is considered in the decision-making of the boards I currently sit on. I am looking forward to doing more of the same when in practice as a social worker. Small steps can make a big difference.